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Shadows Beneath: An Epic Romantic Fantasy
“Do what you must, and I shall do the same.”
With the quest for the seal piece of earth lost and the lingering effects of Lucien’s poison impeding her magic, Iellieth and her champions press onward into the northern forests of the Elven Realms. Within the depths of Shade Rest, rumors promise access to an ancient market, a place between worlds where powerful artifacts await those daring enough to seek them.
But more than the difficulties of reaching the market weigh Iellieth’s steps. Lucien’s taunts spoke of a certain doom over her companions, something lost in their past. Something which, once recovered, might forever change their bond—and with it, the future of Azuria.
Shadows Beneath is the fifth of seven novels in the Age of Azuria epic fantasy series, coming February 3rd, 2026.
With the quest for the seal piece of earth lost and the lingering effects of Lucien’s poison impeding her magic, Iellieth and her champions press onward into the northern forests of the Elven Realms. Within the depths of Shade Rest, rumors promise access to an ancient market, a place between worlds where powerful artifacts await those daring enough to seek them.
But more than the difficulties of reaching the market weigh Iellieth’s steps. Lucien’s taunts spoke of a certain doom over her companions, something lost in their past. Something which, once recovered, might forever change their bond—and with it, the future of Azuria.
Shadows Beneath is the fifth of seven novels in the Age of Azuria epic fantasy series, coming February 3rd, 2026.
694 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2026
About the author
Beth Ball
19 books75 followersBeth Ball is a weaver of words and worlds spinning stories of druidic magic and the power of nature that span the epic fantasy realms of Azuria and Eldura. If you enjoy lyrical tales of action and adventure, dragons, werewolves, fae, wily foxes, and more, then grab your enchanted amulet, flaming longsword, poisoned dagger, or other mystical accessory of choice, and let’s start our adventure!
When she’s not writing fantasy fiction, Beth is a tabletop RPG designer creating adventures and campaigns with her husband Jonathan as part of their work at Grove Guardian Press. She’s also working on her first foray into the LitRPG space with an epic story based on their home duet game. As you might imagine, her ttRPG adventures incorporate lots of druids.
You can find more of Beth’s work and the legends of Azuria and Eldura at bethballbooks.com. And if you’re looking for playable, immersive adventures in Azuria, visit groveguardianpress.com.
When she’s not writing fantasy fiction, Beth is a tabletop RPG designer creating adventures and campaigns with her husband Jonathan as part of their work at Grove Guardian Press. She’s also working on her first foray into the LitRPG space with an epic story based on their home duet game. As you might imagine, her ttRPG adventures incorporate lots of druids.
You can find more of Beth’s work and the legends of Azuria and Eldura at bethballbooks.com. And if you’re looking for playable, immersive adventures in Azuria, visit groveguardianpress.com.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
March 16, 2026
Beth Ball continues to expand the incredible world of Azuria in Shadows Beneath, delivering another gripping installment filled with magic, mystery, and character-driven stakes.
By this point in the series, the journey has become much more than a simple quest. With the seal piece of earth lost and Iellieth’s magic still weakened by Lucien’s poison, the tension surrounding the group feels heavier than ever. The stakes aren’t just about recovering powerful artifacts anymore; now, the bonds between the characters themselves are being tested.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this installment is the journey into the northern forests of the Elven Realms and the mysterious location known as Shade Rest. The promise of an ancient market hidden between worlds adds a fascinating layer to the story, introducing the possibility of powerful artifacts and unknown dangers waiting beyond the veil.
But the emotional weight of the story is what truly stands out. Lucien’s ominous warnings about something hidden in the past of Iellieth’s companions add a sense of looming inevitability to the narrative. There’s a constant feeling that once those secrets come to light, nothing about the group—or their mission- will be the same.
Beth Ball’s strength as a storyteller lies in her ability to balance epic worldbuilding with deeply personal character arcs. The friendships, loyalties, and quiet moments between the champions make the larger conflict feel even more meaningful.
As the fifth installment in the Age of Azuria series, Shadows Beneath continues to build toward what promises to be a dramatic and emotional conclusion. The stakes are rising, the mysteries are deepening, and the future of Azuria feels more uncertain than ever.
If you love epic fantasy with immersive worlds, layered characters, and a sense of destiny unfolding across multiple books, this series remains well worth the journey.
By this point in the series, the journey has become much more than a simple quest. With the seal piece of earth lost and Iellieth’s magic still weakened by Lucien’s poison, the tension surrounding the group feels heavier than ever. The stakes aren’t just about recovering powerful artifacts anymore; now, the bonds between the characters themselves are being tested.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this installment is the journey into the northern forests of the Elven Realms and the mysterious location known as Shade Rest. The promise of an ancient market hidden between worlds adds a fascinating layer to the story, introducing the possibility of powerful artifacts and unknown dangers waiting beyond the veil.
But the emotional weight of the story is what truly stands out. Lucien’s ominous warnings about something hidden in the past of Iellieth’s companions add a sense of looming inevitability to the narrative. There’s a constant feeling that once those secrets come to light, nothing about the group—or their mission- will be the same.
Beth Ball’s strength as a storyteller lies in her ability to balance epic worldbuilding with deeply personal character arcs. The friendships, loyalties, and quiet moments between the champions make the larger conflict feel even more meaningful.
As the fifth installment in the Age of Azuria series, Shadows Beneath continues to build toward what promises to be a dramatic and emotional conclusion. The stakes are rising, the mysteries are deepening, and the future of Azuria feels more uncertain than ever.
If you love epic fantasy with immersive worlds, layered characters, and a sense of destiny unfolding across multiple books, this series remains well worth the journey.
Displaying 1 of 1 review